[cibula11]

Last night our sump pump backup battery alarm went off and I think the battery might be dead. Its several years old and has had to kick on quite a bit. Before I get a whole new back up system, I wanted to try just a new battery first.

Do I need to get a battery specifically for sump pumps (i.e. watchdog, wayne, barracuda, etc.) or I can I get a marine grade or deep cycle battery? Seems like the cost is double for a sump pump battery.

 

[WhatRnsdownhill]

no, just go on ebay and put the battery model in and a new one should pop up...what voltage is that battery?

 

[joed]

Any deep cycle battery should be fine, marine or RV.
What is name etc. on the existing battery?

 

[cibula11]

Any deep cycle battery should be fine, marine or RV.
What is name etc. on the existing battery?

Pretty sure its a watchdog. Not sure what the amperage is, as Im not looking at it now, but its fairly large battery. Is there a certain size I should be looking for? My local big box store has 4 different types of marine grade batteries.

I think mine might be like this one: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Big-Standby-Battery-30HDC140S/100054931

So I could probably use something like this?:https://www.menards.com/main/tools-...4430136250-c-9100.htm?tid=-577732168499313461

 

[JoeNewFramer]

You may also want to purchase an inverter just as a backup. It will charge the battery and be available when the battery dies as an additional backup.

 

[GottaFixIt]

I just installed a Wayne sump package with a 2nd pump on battery backup. It has a built in charger.

The battery is a common Group 27 deep cycle battery. A group 27 is about 12" x 6" x 9". If it's only about 10" wide, it's probably a common Group 24 battery. You should be able to get either anywhere that Marine/RV batteries are sold including Walmart, Kmart and auto parts stores.

 

[cibula11]

I just installed a Wayne sump package with a 2nd pump on battery backup. It has a built in charger.

The battery is a common Group 27 deep cycle battery. A group 27 is about 12" x 6" x 9". If it's only about 10" wide, it's probably a common Group 24 battery. You should be able to get either anywhere that Marine/RV batteries are sold including Walmart, Kmart and auto parts stores.

Thanks. I think I have a smaller one which the previous HO left behind. That one is probably a group 24.

Will there be any problem using the watchdog alarm if I hook up to a marine grade battery (not watchdog battery)?

 

[GottaFixIt]

Just look for 12VDC on the motor, controller or owners manual. If it's not anything different, then your fine. It's very, very likely 12VDC.

 

[cibula11]

Just look for 12VDC on the motor, controller or owners manual. If it's not anything different, then your fine. It's very, very likely 12VDC.

Im pretty certain that's what it is. So, is the extra price for an actual sump battery just for the name?
This is what I have: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Basement-Wa...268661?hash=item41a3efb035:g:9xYAAOSwX~dWrXFx

I have a sensor on the watch dog panel that beeps if the fluid gets low in the battery. IF I get a marine grade battery that is sealed, will that sensor just keep beeping? That would be my only concern. I think the sensor pack that plugs into the wall keep everything charged too.

 

[GottaFixIt]

The fluid sensor is a wire that dips into a cell? Their battery probably just has a hole drilled in the cap. That would not be hard to accomplish. Looks like they're about $129 vs $99 for a standard deep cycle. That's not that far off, so if you're more comfortable with it, go for it.

 

[joed]

If the size fits where it needs, that Exide battery should be fine.